Dur-e-Fishan Saleem Responds to Body-Shaming With Bold Message After Dar-e-Nijaat Controversy
ShowZuno | Pakistani Entertainment News | October 14, 2026
Pakistani actress Dur-e-Fishan Saleem has responded to body-shaming comments circulating on social media after viewers criticized her appearance in ARY Digital’s drama Dar-e-Nijaat.
The controversy began when the actress appeared in a sleeveless outfit during a recent episode of the television series. Rather than discussing her performance or the storyline, some social media users focused on her arms and shoulders, making derogatory comments about her physique.
Saleem later shared a video from her Lux advertisement on Instagram, accompanied by a short, playful caption that appeared to dismiss the criticism. Her response attracted attention from entertainment publications and supporters who welcomed her confidence.
What Sparked the Body-Shaming Controversy?
The online debate followed a scene in Dar-e-Nijaat in which Saleem’s character, Zaryab, wore a sleeveless outfit.
Entertainment reports describe social media users making comments about the actress’s arms, shoulders and overall appearance. Some went further by circulating digitally altered images that exaggerated her muscles.
The criticism quickly shifted from observations about a television character’s styling to personal remarks about the actress herself.
Reports differ slightly on whether the discussion began with episode 20 or episode 21. Dawn Images identified the sleeveless scene in episode 20, while Reviewit.pk and other outlets associated the controversy with episode 21. Both accounts agree that scenes from the drama prompted the body-shaming discussion.
How Did Dur-e-Fishan Saleem Respond?
Instead of issuing a lengthy statement, Saleem reportedly posted a video from her Lux advertising campaign on Instagram.
Her caption read:
“Always P H A T, and that’s the tweet.”
The wording was widely interpreted by entertainment outlets as a sarcastic, self-assured response to those criticizing her appearance.
Rather than addressing individual comments, the actress used a brief social-media post to communicate confidence and move the conversation away from the criticism.
The reported Instagram caption has been reproduced by multiple news outlets, although its original posting details have not been independently authenticated here.
Roma Riaz Defends the Actress
Former Miss Universe Pakistan Roma Riaz also spoke out in support of Saleem.
In an Instagram story reported by Dawn Images on October 12, Riaz criticized the tendency to focus on women’s bodies rather than their professional achievements.
She questioned why public conversations about female performers so often move away from their work and toward their physical appearance.
Riaz also highlighted the pressure that unrealistic beauty expectations can place on young women.
Her intervention brought additional attention to the controversy and encouraged a wider discussion about respect, appearance and professional recognition in the entertainment industry.
Dar-e-Nijaat and Dur-e-Fishan’s Role as Zaryab
Dar-e-Nijaat is an ARY Digital television drama written by Umera Ahmed and directed by Saqib Khan.
The series features Dur-e-Fishan Saleem, Sheheryar Munawar and Nameer Nawaz Khan in prominent roles.
Saleem portrays Zaryab, a character whose experiences and relationships are central to the narrative.
The drama has generated discussion not only about its performances but also about its treatment of complicated relationships, personal choices and redemption.
In September 2026, Saleem addressed audience interpretations of the show’s themes, explaining that the story raises questions about the different standards society applies to men and women seeking redemption.
That earlier discussion was separate from the recent body-shaming incident, but both illustrate how the drama has become part of broader conversations about gender expectations.
Social Media Reactions to Her Response
Entertainment publications reported supportive reactions from viewers who appreciated Saleem’s decision not to engage in an extended argument with online critics.
Some supporters praised her confidence, while others expressed frustration at the attention given to her appearance instead of her acting.
However, social media reactions were not uniformly positive, and the available reporting does not establish a representative measure of public opinion.
The episode demonstrates how quickly commentary about a television performance can turn into personal scrutiny, especially when manipulated images and mocking posts circulate online.
Why Body-Shaming Remains a Concern in Entertainment
Actors routinely face public commentary about their performances, styling and professional choices. But criticism directed at someone’s physical characteristics raises a different set of concerns.
In this case, the circulation of AI-altered images added another dimension to the controversy. Such images can distort someone’s appearance and encourage further ridicule.
The discussion also reflects the expectations frequently placed on female celebrities to meet narrow standards of attractiveness.
Riaz’s public defense emphasized that performers should be recognized for their work rather than judged solely through their appearance.
For audiences, the incident offers an opportunity to distinguish criticism of acting or storytelling from attacks on a person’s body.
A Short Response That Sparked a Bigger Conversation
Dur-e-Fishan Saleem’s response to the controversy was brief, but the discussion surrounding it has been much larger.
By sharing her Lux advertisement with a confident caption, she appeared to reject the negative attention directed at her appearance.
The reaction from Roma Riaz and other supporters further highlighted concerns about the treatment of women in entertainment.
As Dar-e-Nijaat continues attracting attention, the incident serves as a reminder that conversations about television can focus on performances, characters and storytelling without reducing actors to their physical appearance.
